macaroni and tuna salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best macaroni and tuna salad recipe

I’m so glad you’re here to learn about my favorite macaroni and tuna salad recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

The combination of al dente pasta, canned tuna, and a variety of vegetables creates a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and refreshing. One of the things I love about this recipe is its simplicity – it’s easy to make and requires minimal preparation time.

My kids adore helping me mix everything together, and it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep or potlucks.

I’ve served this dish at countless family gatherings, and it’s always been a hit. The key to making this recipe shine is using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and good-quality pasta.

Don’t be afraid to customize it to your taste by adding your favorite spices or herbs. This salad is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side dish for your next holiday gathering.

Classic Macaroni and Tuna Salad

Classic Macaroni and Tuna Salad

4.7 from 520 votes

A creamy and satisfying pasta salad with tender macaroni, flaked tuna, and crisp vegetables. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, and it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

2 cups elbow macaroni (about 8 oz)
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed

For the Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse under cold running water for about 30 seconds to stop the cooking process.
4Shake off excess water and let it cool completely for 5 minutes.
5In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
6Set the dressing aside.
7In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, flaked tuna, chopped celery, red onion, and thawed peas.
8Gently toss with a spatula until evenly distributed.
9Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are well coated.
10Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
11Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
12Serve chilled, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. Add diced pickles or capers for extra tang. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Watch Video Of How Classic Macaroni and Tuna Salad Works

This macaroni and tuna salad recipe is a true classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility – you can easily scale up or down depending on the number of people you’re serving. For storage, I recommend keeping the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When reheating, simply microwave or refrigerate until chilled before serving again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni and Tuna Salad

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using a medium-sized pasta shape, such as penne or bow tie pasta. This will help the tuna salad coat evenly and prevent the pasta from becoming too soggy.

Q: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

While you can use fresh tuna, it may change the flavor profile of the dish slightly. Canned tuna provides a more uniform taste and texture that works well with the other ingredients.

Q: Are there any specific vegetables I should use in this recipe?

Feel free to customize the vegetable selection to your liking! Some popular options include diced carrots, chopped onions, sliced bell peppers, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance, but keep in mind that the flavors may meld together slightly over time.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

This recipe is relatively low-carb and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs by substituting ingredients like gluten-free pasta or using dairy-free mayonnaise.

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